System for intervening and improving the experience of the journey of an absorbent article change

ABSTRACT

A system for intervening in an absorbent article change process by a user to improve the experience of the absorbent article change process is disclosed. The system can include a memory device, an auditory capture mechanism, and a processor. The memory device can be configured to store an absorbent article acoustic signature model. The absorbent article acoustic signature model can be indicative of a potential change of the absorbent article. The processor can be configured to analyze a captured potential use sound profile in relation to the absorbent article acoustic signature model and to interpret the first qualifying match in view of at least one environmental input. The system can be configured to selectively generate a first output based on the first qualifying match and the at least one environmental input. The first output can be recognizable by the user through visual, audible, or olfactory senses.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to systems for intervening and improvingthe experience of a consumable product. More specifically, the presentdisclosure relates to systems for intervening and improving theexperience of the journey of an absorbent article change.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

In the life of a caregiver, necessary changes in absorbent articlesoccur frequently. Absorbent articles may need to be changed at variouspoints in the day, or even at various points at night. The act ofchanging an absorbent article by a caregiver can disrupt the flow andmomentum of the daily activities of the caregiver as changes can comeabout unpredictably. Each change of an absorbent article causes thecaregiver to pause from their current activities, possibly interruptingkey moments or the flow of the day. The changing of an absorbent articlecan also create a threat for associated behavioral or mood changes ofthe wearer of the absorbent article. As such, from the moment acaregiver realizes or is informed there may be a need to change anabsorbent article until the absorbent article is fully changed and thecaregiver resumes their prior activity, a journey including variousemotions may occur for both the caregiver and the wearer of theabsorbent article. Some of these emotions may affect the enjoyment ofthe caretaker's or wearer's following activities after the change.

Various existing equipment and media for trying to improve upon theexperience the caregiver and the wearer of the absorbent article oftenrequire manual manipulation to start or stop, which may be inconvenient,inaccessible, and non-hygienic based on the mood of the wearer and theparticular circumstances of the absorbent article change. Automatedsensors that do exist, such as simple motion or noise detection sensors,cannot capture various environmental inputs of a changing situation,such as the emotional range of a caregiver or wearer of the absorbentarticle, during the journey of an absorbent article change.

Accordingly, there is a desire for systems that allow for moreconvenient intervention during the journal of an absorbent articlechange and that enhance the experience of the change for the caregiverand/or the wearer.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one embodiment, a system is disclosed. The system can include amemory device configured to store an absorbent article acousticsignature model. The absorbent article acoustic signature model can beindicative of a potential change of the absorbent article and can beemitted from the absorbent article during use of the absorbent article.The system can also include an auditory capture mechanism configured tomonitor an absorbent article change environment for a potential usesound profile and to capture the potential use sound profile while theproduct is being used. The system can additionally include a processorin electrical communication with the auditory capture mechanism. Theprocessor can be configured to analyze the captured potential use soundprofile in relation to the absorbent article acoustic signature model.The processor can be further configured to signal a first qualifyingmatch when the captured potential use sound profile meets the absorbentarticle acoustic signature model. The processor can be furtherconfigured to interpret the first qualifying match in view of at leastone environmental input. The at least one environmental input can beselected from the group consisting of: time of day, attitude recognitionof a wearer of the absorbent article, and attitude recognition of a userof the absorbent article. The system can be configured to selectivelygenerate a first output based on the first qualifying match and the atleast one environmental input. The first output can be recognizable by auser through visual, audible, or olfactory senses.

In another embodiment, a system for intervening in an absorbent articlechange process by a user is disclosed. The absorbent article changeprocess can include an initiation phase, a preparatory phase, a changingphase, and a post-changing phase. The system can include a memory deviceconfigured to store at least one preparatory phase auditory cue acousticmodel. The at least one preparatory phase auditory cue acoustic modelcan be representative of an acoustic profile of the preparatory phase.The system can also include an auditory capture mechanism configured tomonitor an absorbent article change environment for potentialpreparatory phase auditory cue sound profiles and to capture potentialpreparatory phase auditory cue sound profiles. The system can furtherinclude a processor in electrical communication with the auditorycapture mechanism. The processor can be configured to analyze a capturedpotential preparatory phase cue sound profile in relation to the atleast one stored preparatory phase auditory cue acoustic model. Theprocessor can be further configured to signal a first qualifying matchwhen the captured potential preparatory phase cue sound profile meetsthe at least one stored preparatory phase auditory cue acoustic model.The processor can be further configured to interpret the firstqualifying match in view of at least one environmental input. The systemcan be configured to selectively generate a first output based on thefirst qualifying match and the at least one environmental input. Thefirst output can be recognizable by the user through visual, audible, orolfactory senses.

In yet another embodiment, a computer program product is disclosed. Thecomputer program product can include code embodied on a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium and can be configured to be executed on one ormore processors. The computer program product can be configured toperform the operation of storing an absorbent article acoustic model.The absorbent article acoustic signature model can be indicative of apotential change of the absorbent article and can be emitted from theabsorbent article during use of the absorbent article. The computerprogram product can also be configured to perform the operation ofmonitoring an absorbent article change environment for a potential usesound profile and capturing the potential use sound profile with anauditory capture mechanism. The computer program product can be furtherconfigured to perform the operation of analyzing the captured potentialuse sound profile in relation to the stored absorbent article acousticsignature model. The computer program product can be configured toperform the operation of signaling a first qualifying match when thecaptured potential use sound profile meets the stored absorbent articleacoustic signature model. Additionally, the computer program product canbe configured to perform the operation of interpreting the firstqualifying match in view of at least one environmental input. The atleast one environmental input can be selected from the group consistingof: time of day, attitude recognition of a wearer of the absorbentarticle, and attitude recognition of a user of the absorbent article.Furthermore, the computer program product can be configured to performthe operation of and selectively generating a first output based on thefirst qualifying match and the at least one environmental input. Thefirst output can be recognizable by the user through visual, audible, orolfactory senses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure thereof, directed to one of ordinaryskill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of thespecification, which makes reference to the appended figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of an absorbent article change environment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system for intervening and improvingthe experience of a product change.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an absorbent article in anunfastened, relaxed condition.

FIG. 4A is an exemplary sound profile of a fastening component of anabsorbent article being unfastened providing an acoustic signaturemodel.

FIG. 4B is another exemplary sound profile of a fastening component ofan absorbent article being unfastened providing an acoustic signaturemodel.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary neural network analysisthat can be used to create a trained model for use as an acousticsignature model with the system as described herein.

FIG. 6 is a plot of an exemplary diapering journey.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification anddrawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features orelements of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an embodiment, the present disclosure is generally directed towardssystems 10, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, for interveningin an absorbent article 20 change. Such systems 10 can include equipmentthat can be configured to capture and recognize auditory cues that arerepresentative of various phases of an absorbent article 20 change. Suchsystems 10 can also be configured to selectively generate one or moreoutputs based on recognizing one or more auditory cues and at least oneenvironmental input to intervene and to improve the experience of anabsorbent article 20 change. In one aspect of the disclosure, a computerprogram product can include code embodied on a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium for performing the actions described herein forthe system 10.

Each example is provided by way of explanation and is not meant as alimitation. For example, features illustrated or described as part ofone embodiment or figure can be used on another embodiment or figure toyield yet another embodiment. It is intended that the present disclosureinclude such modifications and variations.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the preferredembodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements. As used herein, the terminology of “first,” “second,” “third”,etc. does not designate a specified order, but is used as a means todifferentiate between different occurrences when referring to variousfeatures in the present disclosure. Many modifications and variations ofthe present disclosure can be made without departing from the spirit andscope thereof. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments described aboveshould not be used to limit the scope of the invention.

Definitions

The term “absorbent article” refers herein to an article which may beplaced against or in proximity to the body (i.e., contiguous with thebody) of the wearer to absorb and contain various liquid, solid, andsemi-solid exudates discharged from the body. Such absorbent articles,as described herein, are intended to be discarded after a limited periodof use instead of being laundered or otherwise restored for reuse. It isto be understood that the present disclosure is applicable to variousdisposable absorbent articles, including, but not limited to, diapers,diaper pants, training pants, youth pants, swim pants, feminine hygieneproducts, including, but not limited to, menstrual pads or pants,incontinence products, medical garments, surgical pads and bandages,other personal care or health care garments, and the like withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure.

The term “bonded” or “coupled” refers herein to the joining, adhering,connecting, attaching, or the like, of two elements. Two elements willbe considered bonded or coupled together when they are joined, adhered,connected, attached, or the like, directly to one another or indirectlyto one another, such as when each is directly bonded to intermediateelements. The bonding or coupling of one element to another can occurvia continuous or intermittent bonds.

The term “electronically connected” or “in electrical communication”means that a component is configured to electronically communicate withanother component through the same circuit, connected by wire, infrared(IR), radio frequency (RF), Bluetooth, wifi, cellular, or any othersuitable connection means.

The term “nonwoven” refers herein to materials and webs of materialwhich are formed without the aid of a textile weaving or knittingprocess. The materials and webs of materials can have a structure ofindividual fibers, filaments, or threads (collectively referred to as“fibers”) which can be interlaid, but not in an identifiable manner asin a knitted fabric. Nonwoven materials or webs can be formed from manyprocesses such as, but not limited to, meltblowing processes,spunbonding processes, carded web processes, etc.

The term “user” refers herein to one who uses the system. In the contextof a product of an absorbent article, a “user” can be a caregiver whofits the absorbent article, such as, but not limited to, a diaper,diaper pant, training pant, youth pant, incontinent product, or otherabsorbent article about the wearer of one of these absorbent articles. Auser and a wearer can be one and the same person in some situations.

FIGS. 1-6 describe one exemplary embodiment of a system 10 forintervening in an absorbent article 20 change. One example of anabsorbent article 20 shown and described herein is a diaper, however,the system 10 as described herein is not limited to changes of onlydiapers, and can be utilized for other absorbent articles, including,but not limited to: diaper pants, training pants, youth pants, swimpants, feminine hygiene products, including, but not limited to,menstrual pads or pants, incontinence products, medical garments,surgical pads and bandages, other personal care or health care garments,and the like.

In one exemplary embodiment, a system 10 can include a memory device 12,an auditory capture mechanism 14, and a processor 16. The components ofthe system 10 can be configured to be on a single device, or can belocated on more than one device and be configured to be electronicallyconnected with one another. In some embodiments, it is contemplated thatone or more components of the system 10 can be configured to be residenton or communicate with a device that performs other functions system 10,such as a smart speaker device, for example, a Google Home device or anAmazon Echo device. Alternatively or additionally, the system 10 can beconfigured to be resident on or communicate with other devices,including, but not limited to, smartphones, wearable smart devices(e.g., watches), smart TVs, remote controls, cars, computers, andtablets.

As portrayed in FIG. 1, the system 10 can be utilized in at least oneabsorbent article change environment 18. The absorbent article changeenvironment 18 may vary depending on which type of absorbent article(s)20 the system 10 is configured for, as well as even the particularhabits of each user. For example, FIG. 1 displays that the system 10 canbe configured for use in an absorbent article change environment 18 thatis a changing area for an absorbent article 20 worn by a wearer 22 andchanged by a user 24, such as a parent. Such an absorbent article changeenvironment 18 may be a portion of a room of a house, an entire room, ahallway, or other area where the absorbent article 20 is frequentlychanged. In some embodiments, the system 10 can be configured to havemore than one auditory capture mechanism 14 such that more than oneabsorbent article change environment 18 can be monitored simultaneouslyand without having to move any auditory capture mechanisms 14. In someembodiments, the system 10 can be configured such that it is used on oras part of a device that a user 24 typically carries withhimself/herself (such as a smartphone), and as such, can monitor anyenvironment that the user 24 finds himself/herself in which an absorbentarticle 20 may need to be changed.

The memory system 12 can be configured to store one or more acousticmodels. An acoustic model, as used herein, means data, of various forms,that can be representative of an acoustic profile of an absorbentarticle 20 emitted during use of the absorbent article 20 orrepresentative of an acoustic profile of an auditory phase cue for oneor more phases in the absorbent article 20 change process. Examples ofvarious forms of acoustic models can include, but are not limited to: asound profile that is documented in terms of amplitude versus time,frequency profile (frequency versus time), a sound pressure profile, anda trained model 41 that can be analyzed with neural network analysis (asdiscussed further below). The memory system 12 can be configured tostore one or more acoustic models for one or more different sizes and/ortypes of absorbent articles 20, which may or may not be related. Thememory system 12 can be configured to store these one or more acousticmodel(s) in a database. Such a database can be stored on either a harddrive or on one or more servers accessible remotely through a network,such as a public or private local area network, a local or wide areaprivate intranet, or a wide area public interwork network such as theInternet. Such a database can be stored on either a hard drive,solid-state memory, or on one or more servers accessible remotelythrough a network, such as a public or private local area network, alocal or wide area private intranet, or a wide area public interworknetwork such as the Internet. Alternatively or additionally, the memorysystem 12 can be configured to store the one or more acoustic signaturemodels of product(s) within an integrated circuit or field-programmablegate array (FPGA).

In one embodiment, an acoustic signature model can be representative ofan acoustic profile that is emitted by a fastening system 30 (as labeledin FIG. 3) of an absorbent article 20 being disengaged from a fastenedcondition, such as when the absorbent article 20 is in the process ofbeing changed. Such an acoustic signature model can correlate to theabsorbent article 20 being changed as part of the changing process 66 ofthe absorbent article 20.

For example, FIG. 3 illustrates a fastening system 30 on an absorbentarticle 20 that is currently in a relaxed, unfastened condition.Although the absorbent article 20 displayed in FIG. 3 is an open diaper,the system 10 as described herein could be used with a variety of otherproducts, including, but not limited to, other embodiments of theabsorbent articles including, but not limited to, training pants, youthpants, adult incontinence garments, and feminine hygiene articles. Thefastening system 30 of the absorbent article 20 can be configured tosecure the absorbent article 20 about the waist of the wearer 22 whilethe product is being used. The fastening system 30 can include one ormore back fasteners 32 and one or more front fasteners 34. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, the absorbent article 20 can include two backfasteners 32 and one front fastener 34, however, other variations couldbe employed in a fastening system 30. The back fasteners 32 can includeone or more materials bonded together to form a composite ear as isknown in the art. For example, the composite fastener may be composed ofa main ear component 36 (which can demonstrate elastic properties), anonwoven carrier or base 38, and a fastening component 40 (as labeled onthe right, back fastener in 32 in FIG. 3). In a packaged condition, thefastening component 40 may engage the main ear component 36, as shown inthe left, back fastener 32 in FIG. 3. The fastening component 40 can be,in some embodiments, a hook material that engages with a loop materialthat can form the front fastener 34. Additionally or alternatively, thefastening component 40 can include a tape material that engages with thefront fastener 34. It is to be understood that the front fastener 34 maybe a discrete component on the outer cover 42 of the absorbent article20, or may be a portion of the outer cover 42 itself.

When the fastening component 40 of each of the back fasteners 32 isengaged with the front fastener 34, the absorbent article 34 can be inthe fastened conditioned and secured about the waist of the wearer 22.However, when the absorbent article 20 is insulted with body exudates itcan be desired to replace the used absorbent article 20 with a newabsorbent article 20, such as in the absorbent article changeenvironment 18 illustrated in FIG. 1. The acoustic signature can be thesound emitted by one of the fastening components 40 of one of the backfasteners 32 being disengaged from the front fastener 34. Alternatively,the acoustic signature can be the two successive sounds emitted by bothof the fastening components 40 of the two back fasteners 32 beingdisengaged from the front fastener 34. As noted above, this acousticsignature model can indicate that a user 24 is preparing to or is in theprocess 66 of an absorbent article 20 change. Of course, it iscontemplated that other acoustic signatures can exist for various othertypes of absorbent articles that can signify a full product use of theabsorbent article, such as tearing the side seam of a training pant,removing the peel strip from the adhesive of a feminine care pad, etc.

Referring back to the system 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2, the system 10 can alsoinclude an auditory capture mechanism 14. The auditory capture mechanism14 can be a microphone. The auditory capture mechanism 14 can beconfigured to monitor an absorbent article change environment 18 for apotential use sound profile. The auditory capture mechanism 14 canadditionally or alternatively be configured to monitor an absorbentarticle change environment 18 for one or more potential auditory phasecue sound profiles that can be representative of one or more phases inthe absorbent article 20 change process 66, which will be described infurther detail below. As noted above, in some embodiments, the system 10can be configured to include more than one auditory capture mechanism 14such that more than one absorbent article change environment 18 can bemonitored. The auditory capture mechanism(s) 14 can be configured tocapture a potential use sound profile or a potential auditory phase cuesound profile while the absorbent article 20 is being used. An auditorycapture mechanism 14 can be located on the same physical device as thememory device 12 of the system 10, or the two components 12, 14 of thesystem 10 may be physically separated, but configured to beelectronically connected. The auditory capture mechanism 14 can beconfigured to include or work with other known equipment such as anamplifier (not shown) for amplifying sounds within the absorbent articlechange environment 18 and an analog to digital converter (not shown), asknown by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The system 10 can also include a processor 16. The processor 16 can bein electrical communication with the auditory capture mechanism(s) 14.The processor 16 can process via various computing types/methods,including edge-computing, fog-computing, and/or cloud computing. Assuch, processing by the processor 16 can take place at the edge (e.g.,locally), near the edge (e.g., a gateway or nearby computing device), orin the cloud (e.g., public, private, hybrid). The processor 16 can beconfigured to analyze any potential use sound profile or any potentialauditory phase cue captured by the auditory capture mechanism(s) 14. Theanalysis of a potential use sound profile or a potential auditory phasecue may vary on the particular desired acoustic signature model format.However, in general, the processor 16 can be configured to analyze acaptured potential use sound profile in relation to the acousticsignature model. The processor 16 can be configured to analyze acaptured potential auditory phase cue in relation to a stored auditoryphase cue acoustic model.

As one example, the acoustic signature model can be configured as asound profile that is documented in terms of amplitude versus time. Forexample, FIGS. 4A and 4B display two exemplary sound profiles capturedby an auditory capture mechanism 14. FIG. 4A is representative of asound profile of a fastening component 40 of a back fastener 32 beingunfastened from a front fastener 34 on a HUGGIES® Little Snugglers Size1 diaper and FIG. 4B is representative of a sound profile of a fasteningcomponent 40 of a back fastener 32 being unfastened from a frontfastener 34 on a HUGGIES® Little Movers Size 3 diaper. In such anembodiment, the auditory capture mechanism 14 can capture a potentialuse sound profile as it monitors the absorbent article changeenvironment 18. The auditory capture mechanism 14 can transmit thepotential use sound profile to the processor 16 of the system 10 foranalysis. Likewise, the auditory capture mechanism 14 can capture apotential auditory phase cue for a phase in the absorbent article changeprocess as it monitors the absorbent article change environment 18 andcan transmit the potential auditory phase cue to the processor 16 of thesystem 10 for analysis. In one example, the processor 16 can beconfigured to analyze a captured potential use sound profile configuredas an amplitude versus time sound profile in relation to the acousticsignature model by known techniques such as spectral analysis using FastFourier Transform.

The processor 16 can be configured to signal a qualifying match when thecaptured potential use sound profile meets the acoustic signature model.The processor 16 can be configured to analyze a captured potentialauditory phase cue in a similar manner. As used herein, a capturedpotential use sound profile can be considered to “meet” the acousticsignature model and a captured potential auditory phase cue can beconsidered to “meet” the respective phase auditory cue acoustic modelwhen the analysis technique utilized by the processor 16 provides acertain confidence level that a match is obtained. For example, in theembodiment currently being described, the processor 16 can be configuredto signal a qualifying match when the processor's analysis provides a75% confidence level that the captured potential use sound profilematches the acoustic signature model that is configured as a soundprofile of amplitude versus time. It is intended that the confidencelevel may be configured to be different than the example provided above,based on various factors including, but not limited to, the analysistechnique employed by the processor 16.

An alternative analysis technique the processor 16 can be configured toutilize is a neural network analysis. As depicted in FIG. 5, history ofaudio files 31 can be put through a translation process 33, effectivelytranslating a sound file into an image file 35. Various networkarchitecture specifications 37, including, but not limited to,convolutional neural networks (CNN), neural networks (NN), and supportvector machine (SVM), can be utilized with the image file 35 and one ormore labels 39 corresponding to respective products to create a trainedmodel 41 that can serve as an acoustic signature model for the system 10herein. The auditory capture mechanism 14 can capture a potential usesound profile and then the processor 16 can analyze the capturepotential use sound profile utilizing the trained model 41 developedfrom neural network analysis described above. As one example, TensorFlowis an open-source software library for machine intelligence(https://www.tensorflow.org/) that can be employed by a processor 16 toanalyze the captured potential use sound profile in relation to thetrained model 41 serving as the acoustic signature model. One benefit tothe processor 16 employing neural network analysis techniques is thatthe trained model 41 can be updated based on feedback to update and/orevolve the trained model 41 providing further accuracy to the system 10.

In utilizing a trained model 41 as the acoustic signature model for thesystem 10, the processor 16 can be configured to signal a qualifyingmatch when the captured potential use sound profile meets the acousticsignature model. In a CNN, for example, the analysis of the processor 16as to whether a captured potential use sound profile meets the acousticsignature model can be based on the confidence level that a match isobtained through classification. As with most CNNs, the last layer in aCNN can be a fully-connected (FC) layer that can compute one or moreclass scores, with each class representing an acoustic signature modelstored by the system 10. The FC layer verifies the output of a previouslayer (that can represent activation maps of high level features) anddetermines which features most correlate to a particular class. The FClayer can take an input volume (based on the output of the proceedinglayer) and can output an N-dimensional vector, where N is the number ofclasses that the system 10 is configured to monitor. From this, the FClayer can determine what high-level features most strongly correlate toa particular class and has particular weights so that when the processor16 computes the products between the weights and the previous layer, aprobability can be generated for the one or more classes. At the end ofthe CNN analysis, the processor 16 can produce an array of numbers thatdescribe the probability (or confidence level) that an image file 35(captured potential use sound profile) of being a certain class (oracoustic signature model) that is stored by the by the system 10.

The processor 16 can also be configured to interpret a qualifying matchin view of at least one environmental input 42. An environmental input42 can include, but is not limited to, the time of day, attituderecognition of a user 24, and attitude recognition of a wearer 22. Thesystem 10 can be configured to categorize the time of day environmentalinput 42 into a daytime period and a nighttime period. Such acategorization may be helpful in determining whether to generate anoutput 60 to intervene in an absorbent article 20 change, and if so,what output may be most beneficial for the user 24 and/or wearer 22 toimprove the experience of the absorbent article 20 change process. Thedaytime period can be set to correspond to the period of the time that awearer 22 is typically awake. The nighttime period can be set tocorrespond to the period of the time that a wearer 22 is typicallysleeping. The daytime and nighttime periods can be modified manually bya user 24, and/or the system 10 can recognize patterns in the absorbentarticle change environment 18 to update such daytime period andnighttime periods as a wearer 24 develops and may change its habits.

The environmental inputs 42 of attitude recognition of the user 24 andattitude recognition of a wearer 22 can be determined in a variety ofways. For example, the system 10 can be configured to employ voicerecognition technology to look for certain words or phrases of a user 24and/or wearer to help determine a current attitude of the user 24 and/orwearer 22. The system 10 can be configured to recognize crying orlaughing of a wearer 22 to help determine the current attitude of thewearer 22. Additionally or alternatively, the system 10 can beconfigured to determine the attitude of a user 24 and/or wearer 22 basedon the volume of speech or by recognizing stress in the language of auser 24 and/or wearer 22. Additionally or alternatively, the system 10can be configured to determine the attitude of a user 24 and/or a wearer22 based on one or more of the following types of information: analysisof a schedule/calendar, analysis of social media feeds, information fromsmart wearable devices (such as heart rate, activity, temperature,etc.), information from other Internet-of-Things (IoT) solutions such assleep sensors, connected appliances, and home alarm systems, or byinterfacing with third-party solutions having sentiment analysiscapabilities. By determining the current attitude of a user 24 and/orwearer 22, the system 10 can help selectively generate a moreappropriate output 60, as will be discussed in further detail below, tohelp improve the experience of an absorbent article 20 change.

The system 10 can be configured to selectively generate one or moreoutputs based on the qualifying match as discussed above that can beused to recognize an absorbent article 20 that is being or is about tobe changed by a user 24 and at least one environmental input 42. As usedherein, “selectively generate” means that the system 10 selects whetherto generate an output at all, and if an output is chosen to begenerated, what output should be generated. As used herein, an “output”means an action that is generated by the system 10 that can berecognized by the user 24 through a visual, an audible, and/or anolfactory sense. In some instances, the processor 16 can be configuredto interpret a qualifying match in view of at least two environmentalinputs 42 and the system 10 can be configured to selectively generatethe first output based on the qualifying match and those twoenvironmental inputs 42.

The system 10 can selectively generate one or more outputs 60 to helpimprove the experience of an absorbent article change process 66 for auser 24 and/or wearer 22 in a variety of ways. For example, the system10 can be configured to include a speaker 62. The speaker 62 can be inelectrical communication with the processor 16 and can be configured toselectively generate an output 60. Additionally or alternatively, thesystem 10 can include a lighting mechanism 64. The lighting mechanismcan be electrically connected to the processor 16 and can be configuredto selectively generate an output 60 in the form of light. It iscontemplated that in some circumstances, the system 10 may be configuredto generate one or more outputs 60 with a speaker 62 and/or one or moreoutputs 60 with the lighting mechanism 64. Additionally oralternatively, an output 60 can be generated through connection to otherIoT solutions or third party solutions.

As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the lighting mechanism 64 canform part of a disposal receptacle 44, however, it is contemplated thatthe lighting mechanism 64 can be configured to be separate from thedisposal receptacle 44. The disposal receptacle 44 can include a weightsensor 46 that is configured to weigh the contents of the disposalreceptacle 44. The disposal receptacle 44 can also include a lid 48 anda lid opening sensor 50. The disposal receptacle 44 can assist a user 24with inventory management by recording when the lid 48 is being openedthrough the lid opening sensor 50 and by sensing increased weight in thedisposal receptacle 44 via the weight sensor 46. As will be discussedfurther below, the system 10 may utilize a disposal receptacle 44 andits sensors 46, 50 for helping determine which phase of the absorbentarticle change process 66 that a user 24 and wearer 22 are currently in.

In some embodiments, the system 10 can include a user interface 54. Theuser interface 54 can be configured to allow a user to interact with thesystem 10. The user interface 54 can allow the user 24 to manuallymodify certain settings and/or preferences on the system 10. Forexample, the user interface 54 can allow a user 24 to set specifieddaytime and nighttime periods, or preferences for specific outputs 60based on the wearer(s) 22. The user interface 54 can also provideassistance to the user 24 in inventory management, such as by allowingthe user 24 to document product usage that occurred outside of theabsorbent article change environment(s) 18 being monitored by theauditory capture mechanism(s) 14. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the userinterface 54 can be configured to be accessible from one, or more,mobile devices 56. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface 54can be configured to be disposed on a disposal receptacle 44 or otherphysical aspect of the system 10.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary chart of a diapering journey, or anabsorbent article change process 66. FIG. 6 depicts the typical phasesof the process 66 of changing an absorbent article 20, as well astypical events that may occur during each phase and the range ofemotions that may occur as part of the process 66. As illustrated alongthe horizontal axis in FIG. 6, the process 66 can include an initiationphase 68, a preparatory phase 70, a changing phase 72, and apost-changing phase 74. Along the vertical axis, the various range ofemotions that may occur during the process 66 of changing an absorbentarticle 20 are depicted.

In the initiation phase 68, the user 24 or the wearer 22 may providecues that the absorbent article 20 may have an exudate in the absorbentarticle 20 and that the absorbent article 20 change process 66 may soonbe beginning. For example, in some embodiments, the system 10 mayinclude a body exudate detection sensor 52, such as that depicted inFIG. 3. The body exudate detection sensor 52 may provide a signal to thesystem 10 that a body exudate is present in the absorbent article 20,and in doing so, provide an exudate cue for the initiation phase 68. Thebody exudate detection sensor 52 can be a capacitance-based detector,such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,866,624 issued to Thomas MichaelAles, III et al., or an induction-based detector, such as disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 8,207,394 issued to Joseph Raymond Feldkamp et al., or aninfra-red-based detector, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2010/0168694 by Sudhanshu Gakhar et al. Of course, it is to beappreciated that other body exudate detection sensors 52 other thanthose mentioned directly above may be configured to be part of thesystem 10 discussed herein.

Another cue that the initiation phase 68 may be beginning can beprovided by an initiation phase auditory cue. The system 10 can beconfigured such that the memory device 12 can store at least oneinitiation phase auditory cue acoustic model. The initiation phaseauditory cue acoustic model can be representative of an acoustic profileof the initiation phase 68. The acoustic profiles that may occur duringthe initiation phase 68 can include word(s) or phrase(s) from the user24 and/or the wearer 22 that an absorbent article 20 change is necessaryand that the absorbent article change process 66 needs to begin.Exemplary words and/or phrases could include, “wet diaper,” “dirtydiaper,” “diaper change,” “change time,” “changing time,” and/or “needto change your diaper,” among others. In some embodiments, the auditorycapture mechanism 14 can be configured to monitor and capture theabsorbent article change environment 18 for potential initiation phaseauditory cue sound profiles and to capture potential initiation phaseauditory cue sound profiles. The processor 16 can be configured toanalyze any captured potential initiation phase auditory cue soundprofiles in relation to any stored initiation phase auditory cueacoustic models and to signal a qualifying match when the capturedpotential initiation phase auditory cue sound profiles meets any storedinitiation phase auditory cue acoustic model. The same or similarmachine learning techniques as discussed above may be employed forspeech recognition capability. Additionally, whether a capturedpotential initiation phase auditory cue sound profile meets a storedinitiation phase auditory cue acoustic model is meant to be appliedutilizing the same definition as noted above with respect to whether acaptured potential use sound profile can be considered to meet theacoustic signature model.

In some embodiments, the system 10 can also be configured to include aproximity sensor 76 (as shown in FIG. 1) to determine if a user 24and/or wearer 22 are approaching the absorbent article changeenvironment 18. Such proximity sensing can provide an additional cuethat the initiation phase 68 may be beginning.

Other potential auditory initiation phase cues can be in the form offeedback received from applications or skills related to absorbentarticles. For example, the system 10 may receive input that a relevantIoT application or skill (that relates to, such as, providinginformation related to changing an absorbent article 20, care of awearer 22, or parenting) has been opened or queried.

The preparatory phase 70 of the absorbent article changing process 66occurs after the initiation phase 68. The system 10 may be configured torecognize the preparatory phase 70 through a variety of differentpreparatory phase auditory cues. For example, the system 10 can beconfigured such that the memory device 12 is configured to store atleast one preparatory phase auditory cue acoustic model that isrepresentative of an acoustic profile of the preparatory phase 70.Acoustic profiles of the preparatory phase 70 can include, but are notlimited to, acoustic profiles of the following activities: unfastening afastener 32 of the absorbent article 20 from the fastened condition,removing a new absorbent article 20 from packaging, placing the weareron a changing area (such as a changing pad 78), and removal of clothingfrom the wearer 22.

The auditory capture mechanism 14 can be configured to monitor theabsorbent article change environment 18 for potential preparatory phaseauditory cue sound profiles and to capture potential preparatory phaseauditory cue sound profiles. The processor 16 can be configured toanalyze a captured potential preparatory phase auditory cue soundprofile in relation to the stored preparatory phase auditory cueacoustic model(s) and to signal a qualifying match when a capturedpotential preparatory phase auditory cue sound profile meets a storedpreparatory phase auditory cue acoustic model.

The system 10 can be configured to selectively generate one or moreoutputs 60 during the preparatory phase 70 to improve the experienceduring the preparatory phase 70 of the absorbent article change process66. The output(s) 60 generated by the system 10 can be selectivelygenerated after the processor 16 signals a qualifying match of acaptured potential use sound profile meeting the absorbent articleacoustic signature model or a qualifying match when the capturedpotential preparatory phase cue sound profile meets the at least onestored preparatory phase auditory cue acoustic model. Such a qualifyingmatch can indicate that the preparatory phase 70 is likely started andthe user 24 and/or wearer 22 may benefit from intervention in theabsorbent article change process 66. The output 60 that may beselectively generated can be configured based on such a qualifying matchand at least one environmental input 42, as described above.

For example, in one scenario, the system 10 may receive an environmentalinput 42 that it is currently the daytime period. After receiving aqualifying match as described above and considering the environmentalinput 42 of a daytime period, the system 10 can be configured to havethe speaker 62 selectively generate an output 60, such as, but notlimited to: music, nursery rhymes, auditory stories, animal sounds, andalpha-numeric instructional lessons. These or other outputs 60 can begenerated through connection to other IoT solutions or third partysolutions, including, but not limited to, applications or skills forsmart speaker devices. Additionally, an output 60 could be the launch ofan application or skill itself.

In another scenario, the system 10 may receive an environmental input 42that it is currently the nighttime period. After receiving a qualifyingmatch as described above and considering the environmental input 42 of anighttime period, the system 10 can be configured to have the speaker 62selectively generate an output 60, such as, but not limited to: musicand white noise. In some embodiments, the system 10 may be configuredsuch that when it receives an environmental input 42 that it iscurrently the nighttime period, the system 10 will only be configured tohave the speaker 62 selectively generate an output 60, such as music orwhite noise, when the system 10 also receives an environmental input 42of the attitude recognition of the user 24 or the wearer 22 as crying,stressed, or disturbed. In other words, the system 10 can be configuredto selectively generate no output 60 at all when it is the nighttimeperiod and the user 24 and/or wearer 22 remain quiet to facilitate aquiet nighttime change, or be configured to help provide calming musicand/or white noise based on the system 10 receiving an environmentalinput 42 to help calm the wearer 22 and/or the user 24 if the system 10receives an environmental input 42 signifying that the wearer 22 or theuser 24 is crying, stressed, or disturbed.

Additionally, after receiving a qualifying match as described above, ifthe system 10 receives an environmental input 42 signifying that it iscurrently the nighttime period, the system 10 can generate an output 60from the lighting mechanism 64 in the form of light. This visual output60 can provide assistance to the user 24 to facilitate the change of theabsorbent article 20, and can be selectively generated with or withoutthe audible output(s) 60 described above.

Another exemplary output 60 that can be generated by the system 10 caninclude an output 60 that is recognizable by a user 24 and/or wearer 22through their olfactory senses. The system 10 can be configured toinclude an olfactory output mechanism 80. The olfactory output mechanism80 can be configured in the form of equipment that is separate fromother components of the system 10 and be in electrical communicationwith the processor 16 (such as depicted in FIG. 1), or it can beintegrated with one or more other components forming the system 10. Thesystem 10 can be configured to selectively generate an output 60 fromthe olfactory output mechanism 80 that the wearer 22 and/or user 24 cansmell. Such an output 60 can help provide a calming scent and/or coverscent to cover the smell of body exudates, improving the experience ofthe absorbent article change process 66 for the user 24 and/or wearer22. The system 10 can be configured to selectively generate an output 60from the olfactory output mechanism 80 after receiving a qualifyingmatch as described above and in response to certain confirmed cues. Forexample, the system 10 can have voice recognition capability and canhave the memory device 12 configured to store certain word(s) orphrase(s), such as “stinky diaper” or “smelly”, that may represent asituation to have such an olfactory output 60 selectively generated. Theauditory capture mechanism 14 can be configured to monitor the absorbentarticle change environment 18 for the potential use of such word(s) orphrase(s) and capture such potential use of such word(s) or phrase(s),and the processor 16 can be configured to analyze the captured word(s)or phrase(s) in relation to the stored word(s) or phrase(s). If suchword(s) or phrase(s) are confirmed through a captured potential word(s)or phrase(s) meeting a stored word(s) or phrase(s) through the voicerecognition capability, then the system 10 may be configured toselectively generate such an olfactory output 60 through the olfactoryoutput mechanism 80.

Referring back to FIG. 6, the preparatory phase 70 is followed by thechanging phase 72 in the absorbent article change process 66. Thechanging phase 72 can be recognized by the system 10 through one or morechanging phase auditory cues. The memory device 12 can be configured tostore at least one changing phase auditory cue acoustic model that isrepresentative of an acoustic profile of the changing phase 72. Acousticprofiles of the changing phase 72 can include, but are not limited to,acoustic profiles of the following activities: opening packaging (e.g.,box, bag, etc.) of new absorbent articles, removing a new absorbentarticle 20 from packaging, unfolding a new absorbent article 20, userlanguage associated with contents of the absorbent article 20 beingchanged, a lid 82 of a wet wipe package 84 being opened, a wet wipe 86being removed from a wet wipe package 84, rolling of the absorbentarticle 20 for disposal, opening an ointment lid, and application ofointment to the wearer.

The auditory capture mechanism 14 can be configured to monitor theabsorbent article change environment(s) 18 for potential changing phaseauditory cue sound profiles and to capture potential changing phaseauditory cue sound profiles. The processor 16 can be configured toanalyze a captured potential changing phase auditory cue sound profilein relation to the stored changing phase auditory cue acoustic model(s)and to signal a qualifying match when a captured potential changingphase auditory cue sound profile meets a stored changing phase auditorycue acoustic model.

The system 10 can be configured to selectively generate one or moreoutputs 60 during the changing phase 72 to improve the experience duringthe changing phase 72 of the absorbent article change process 66. If oneor more outputs 60 were selectively generated during the preparatoryphase 70, the system 10 can continue to generate such output(s) 60.Alternatively, the system 10 can be configured to selectively generateone or more outputs 60 of first instance after the processor 16 signalsa qualifying match of a captured potential changing phase auditory cuesound profile in relation to the stored changing phase auditory cueacoustic model(s). The output(s) 60 generated by the system 10 duringthe changing phase 72 based on such a qualifying match and at least oneenvironmental input 42, as described above.

The post-changing phase 74 is the last phase of the absorbent articlechange process 66 before the user 24 and wearer 22 can “return to themoment,” or in other words, return to the activities that each wereengaged in prior to the process 66 beginning. The post-changing phase 74can be recognized through one or more post-changing phase cues, whichmay be auditory or non-auditory in nature. The memory device 12 can beconfigured to store at least one post-changing phase auditory cueacoustic model that is representative of an acoustic profile of thepost-changing phase. Acoustic profiles of the post-changing phase caninclude, but are not limited to, acoustic profiles of the followingactivities: fastening a new absorbent article 20, disposal of the usedabsorbent article 20, donning clothing, closing a lid 82 of a wet wipespackage 84, cleaning the absorbent article change environment 18, andleaving the absorbent article change environment 18. The fastening ofthe new absorbent article 20 can include sound profiles associated withremoving the fastening component 40 from the main ear component 36,applying the fastening components 40 of the back fasteners 30 to thefront fastener 34, and adjusting such fasteners for fit. The disposal ofthe absorbent article 20 can provide an acoustic profile that is uniqueto the absorbent article being received in a trash bin or disposalreceptacle 44, or can be an acoustic profile of the lid 48 of thedisposal receptacle 44 being opened and/or closed.

The auditory capture mechanism 14 can be configured to monitor theabsorbent article change environment(s) 18 for potential post-changingphase auditory cue sound profiles and to capture potential post-changingphase auditory cue sound profiles. The processor 16 can be configured toanalyze a captured potential post-changing phase auditory cue soundprofile in relation to the stored post-changing phase auditory cueacoustic model(s) and to signal a qualifying match when the capturedpotential post-changing phase auditory cue sound profile meets a storedpost-changing phase auditory cue acoustic model.

Other non-acoustic cues that can signify the post-changing phase 74 caninclude the sensing of the disposal of the used absorbent article 20through the sensing mechanisms on the disposal receptacle 44, such asthe lid opening sensor 50 or the weight sensor 46 described above. Thesecues can also provide an indication that the post-changing phase 74 isat or near completion.

The system 10 can be configured to stop generating one or more outputs60 that were selectively generated by the system 10 in previous phases68, 70, 72 of the absorbent article change process 66 after thepost-changing phase 74 is completed. In one embodiment, the system 10can be configured such that the processor 16 can send a signal to stopgenerating an output 60 upon a qualifying match confirming thepost-changing phase 74 as described above. Such a signal could also besent upon the system 10 confirming a non-auditory cue as describedabove. In some embodiments, the system 10 can be configured such thatthe output 60 can continue to be generated for a specified period oftime after the system 10 confirms the post-changing phase 74. Forexample, the system 10 could be configured to continue to generate oneor more outputs for a period of 30 seconds, or 1 minute, or 2 minutesafter the confirmation of the post-changing phase 74 identified above. Adelay in stopping the output(s) 60 previously generated can ease thetransition out of the post-changing phase 74 as the user 24 and wearer22 complete the absorbent article change process 66.

The system 10 can provide multiple benefits of intervening in theabsorbent article change process 66 to improve the experience of theuser 24 and wearer 22. The system 10 can improve theinteraction/connection between the user 24 and the wearer 22 during theabsorbent article change process 66. This improvedinteraction/connection can improve the emotional experience of the user24 and/or the wearer 22, potentially removing stress from the user 24and/or the wearer 22. The system 10 can also increase the ease of whicha change occurs through various outputs 60, for example, such as byproviding light when necessary, and/or providing calming and/or coverscents to improve the olfactory experience of an absorbent articlechange process 66. Importantly, the system 10 can be configured toselectively intervene in such a process to provide outputs 60 that willenhance the experience when necessary, but refrain from generatingoutput(s) 60 when not necessary and/or desired by the user 24 and/orwearer 22.

The system 10 can also provide the benefit of being customizable whenthere is more than one user 24 and/or wearer 22 that may be utilizingthe system 10. The system 10 can be configured to differentiate betweendifferent wearers 22 and different users 24 to provide customizable orpreferred outputs 60 for a more enjoyable and effective interventioninto the absorbent article change process 66. For example, the system 10can include voice recognition capability that can differentiate betweenwearers 22 and/or users 24 based on auditory recognition of voices ofdifferent wearers 22 and/or users 24, respectively. The system 10 canalso be configured to identify and confirm auditory cues that differbetween the sizes of the absorbent article 20 and/or the specificabsorbent article 20 being used by such wearer 22 (e.g., differentacoustic profiles for back fasteners 32 being disengaged from frontfastener 34 based on size of absorbent article 20 and/or type ofabsorbent article 20), and by such, recognize which wearer 22 is aboutto engage in or is engaging in the absorbent article change process 66.After such recognition, the system 10 can be configured to provide adifferent output 60 for a wearer 22 that may be customized for thatwearer 22. As an example, the system 10 may selectively generate adifferent output 60 for a wearer 22 that is three months old, such as anursery rhyme output 60, as compared to an output 60 for a wearer 22that is three years old, which may be alpha-numeric instruction typeoutput 60. In doing so, the system 10 can provide outputs 60 that aretailored to the specific wearer 22 and/or user 24 to provide a moreenjoyable and effective experience.

Embodiments

Embodiment 1: A system comprising: a memory device configured to storean absorbent article acoustic signature model, the absorbent articleacoustic signature model being indicative of a potential change of theabsorbent article and being emitted from the absorbent article duringuse of the absorbent article; an auditory capture mechanism configuredto monitor an absorbent article change environment for a potential usesound profile and to capture the potential use sound profile while theproduct is being used; and a processor in electrical communication withthe auditory capture mechanism, the processor being configured toanalyze the captured potential use sound profile in relation to theabsorbent article acoustic signature model, the processor furtherconfigured to signal a first qualifying match when the capturedpotential use sound profile meets the absorbent article acousticsignature model, the processor being further configured to interpret thefirst qualifying match in view of at least one environmental input, theat least one environmental input being selected from the groupconsisting of: time of day, attitude recognition of a wearer of theabsorbent article, and attitude recognition of a user of the absorbentarticle; wherein the system is configured to selectively generate afirst output based on the first qualifying match and the at least oneenvironmental input, the first output being recognizable by the userthrough visual, audible, or olfactory senses.

Embodiment 2: The system of embodiment 1, wherein the absorbent articleacoustic signature model is representative of a fastener of theabsorbent article being unfastened from a fastened condition of theabsorbent article.

Embodiment 3: The system of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the processor isconfigured to interpret the first qualifying match in view of at leasttwo environmental inputs, and wherein the system is configured toselectively generate the first output based on the first qualifyingmatch and the at least two environmental inputs.

Embodiment 4: The system of any one of the preceding embodiments,wherein the system further comprises a speaker, the speaker being inelectrical communication with the processor and being configured toselectively generate the first output.

Embodiment 5: The system of embodiment 4, wherein the at least oneenvironmental input is the time of day, the system being configured tocategorize the time of day into a daytime period and a nighttime period,the system being configured to have the speaker selectively generate thefirst output during the daytime period, and wherein the first output isselected from the group consisting of: music, nursery rhymes, auditorystories, animal sounds, and alpha-numeric instructional lessons.

Embodiment 6: The system of embodiment 4, wherein the at least oneenvironmental input is the time of day, the system being configured tocategorize the time of day into a daytime period and a nighttime period,the system being configured to have the speaker selectively generate thefirst output during the nighttime period, and wherein the first outputis selected from the group consisting of: music and white noise.

Embodiment 7: The system of any one of the preceding embodiments,wherein the system further comprises a lighting mechanism, the lightingmechanism being electrically connected to the processor and beingconfigured to selectively generate a second output based on the time ofday, the second output being light.

Embodiment 8: The system of any one of the preceding embodiments,wherein the system is further configured to recognize an exudate cue ofan initiation phase, the exudate cue comprising at least one of exudaterelated user language and an electronic signal associated with a bodyexudate detection sensor on the absorbent article.

Embodiment 9: The system of any one of the preceding embodiments,wherein the memory device is further configured to store at least onepreparatory phase auditory cue acoustic model, the at least onepreparatory phase auditory cue acoustic model being representative of anacoustic profile of the preparatory phase, the acoustic profile of thepreparatory phase being selected from the group of acoustic profilesconsisting of: unfastening a fastener of the absorbent article from thefastened condition, removing a new absorbent article from packaging,placing the wearer on a changing area, and removal of clothing from thewearer; wherein the auditory capture mechanism is further configured tomonitor the absorbent article change environment for potentialpreparatory phase auditory cue sound profiles and to capture potentialpreparatory phase auditory cue sound profiles; and wherein the processoris further configured to analyze a captured potential preparatory phaseauditory cue sound profile in relation to the at least one storedpreparatory phase auditory cue acoustic model and to signal a secondqualifying match when the captured potential preparatory phase auditorycue sound profile meets the at least one stored preparatory phaseauditory cue acoustic model.

Embodiment 10: The system of any one of the preceding embodiments,wherein the memory device is further configured to store at least onechanging phase auditory cue acoustic model, the at least one changingphase auditory cue acoustic model being representative of an acousticprofile of the changing phase, the acoustic profile of the changingphase being selected from the group of acoustic profiles consisting of:opening packaging of new absorbent articles, removing a new absorbentarticle from packaging, unfolding a new absorbent article, user languageassociated with contents of the absorbent article being changed, openingof a lid of a wet wipe package, removing a wet wipe from a wet wipepackage, rolling of the absorbent article 20 for disposal, opening anointment lid, and application of ointment to the wearer; wherein theauditory capture mechanism is further configured to monitor theabsorbent article change environment for potential changing phaseauditory cue sound profiles and to capture potential changing phaseauditory cue sound profiles, and wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to analyze a captured potential changing phase auditory cuesound profile in relation to the at least one stored changing phaseauditory cue acoustic model and to signal a third qualifying match whenthe captured potential changing phase auditory cue sound profile meetsthe at least one stored changing phase auditory cue acoustic model.

Embodiment 11: The system of any one of the preceding embodiments,wherein the memory device is further configured to store at least onepost-changing phase auditory cue acoustic model, the at least onepost-changing phase auditory cue acoustic model being representative ofan acoustic profile of the post-changing phase, the acoustic profile ofthe post-changing phase being selected from the group of acousticprofiles consisting of: fastening a new absorbent article, disposing ofthe absorbent article, donning clothing, closing a lid of a wet wipespackage, cleaning the absorbent article change environment, and leavingthe absorbent article change environment; wherein the auditory capturemechanism is further configured to monitor the absorbent article changeenvironment for potential post-changing phase auditory cue soundprofiles and to capture potential post-changing phase auditory cue soundprofiles, wherein the processor is further configured to analyze acaptured potential post-changing phase auditory cue sound profile inrelation to the at least one stored post-changing phase auditory cueacoustic model and to signal a fourth qualifying match when the capturedpotential post-changing phase auditory cue sound profile meets the atleast one stored post-changing phase auditory cue acoustic model, andwherein, if the first output was being generated by the system, theprocessor is configured to send a signal to stop generating the firstoutput upon the signaling of the fourth qualifying match.

Embodiment 12: A system for intervening in an absorbent article changeprocess by a user, the absorbent article change process including aninitiation phase, a preparatory phase, a changing phase, and apost-changing phase, the system comprising: a memory device configuredto store at least one preparatory phase auditory cue acoustic model, theat least one preparatory phase auditory cue acoustic model beingrepresentative of an acoustic profile of the preparatory phase; anauditory capture mechanism configured to monitor an absorbent articlechange environment for potential preparatory phase auditory cue soundprofiles and to capture potential preparatory phase auditory cue soundprofiles; and a processor in electrical communication with the auditorycapture mechanism, the processor being configured to analyze a capturedpotential preparatory phase cue sound profile in relation to the atleast one stored preparatory phase auditory cue acoustic model, theprocessor further configured to signal a first qualifying match when thecaptured potential preparatory phase cue sound profile meets the atleast one stored preparatory phase auditory cue acoustic model, theprocessor being further configured to interpret the first qualifyingmatch in view of at least one environmental input; wherein the system isconfigured to selectively generate a first output based on the firstqualifying match and the at least one environmental input, the firstoutput being recognizable by the user through visual, audible, orolfactory senses.

Embodiment 13: The system of embodiment 12, wherein the acoustic profileof the preparatory phase is selected from the group of acoustic profilesconsisting of: unfastening a fastener of the absorbent article from thefastened condition, removing a new absorbent article from packaging,placing the wearer on a changing area, and removal of clothing from thewearer.

Embodiment 14: The system of embodiment 12 or 13, wherein theenvironmental input is selected from the group consisting of: time ofday, attitude recognition of a wearer of the absorbent article, andattitude recognition of a user of the absorbent article.

Embodiment 15: The system of any one of embodiments 12-14, wherein theprocessor is configured to interpret the first qualifying match in viewof at least two environmental inputs, and wherein the system isconfigured to selectively generate the first output based on the firstqualifying match and the at least two environmental inputs.

Embodiment 16: The system of any one of embodiments 12-15, wherein thesystem further comprises a speaker, the speaker being in electricalcommunication with the processor and being configured to selectivelygenerate the first output.

Embodiment 17: The system of any one of embodiments 12-16, wherein thesystem is further configured to recognize an exudate cue of theinitiation phase, the exudate cue comprising at least one of exudaterelated user language and an electronic signal associated with a bodyexudate detection sensor on the absorbent article.

Embodiment 18: The system of any one of embodiments 12-17, wherein thememory device is further configured to store at least one changing phaseauditory cue acoustic model, the at least one changing phase auditorycue acoustic model being representative of an acoustic profile of thechanging phase, the acoustic profile of the changing phase beingselected from the group of acoustic profiles consisting of: openingpackaging of new absorbent articles, removing a new absorbent articlefrom packaging, unfolding a new absorbent article, user languageassociated with contents of the absorbent article being changed, openingof a lid of a wet wipe package, removing a wet wipe from a wet wipepackage, rolling of the absorbent article 20 for disposal, opening anointment lid, and application of ointment to the wearer; and wherein theauditory capture mechanism is further configured to monitor theabsorbent article change environment for potential changing phaseauditory cue sound profiles and to capture potential changing phaseauditory cue sound profiles; and wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to analyze a captured potential changing phase auditory cuesound profile in relation to the at least one stored changing phaseauditory cue acoustic model and to signal a third qualifying match whenthe captured potential changing phase auditory cue sound profile meetsthe at least one stored changing phase auditory cue acoustic model.

Embodiment 19: The system of any one of embodiments 12-18, wherein thememory device is further configured to store at least one post-changingphase auditory cue acoustic model, the at least one post-changing phaseauditory cue acoustic model being representative of an acoustic profileof the post-changing phase, the acoustic profile of the post-changingphase being selected from the group of acoustic profiles consisting of:fastening a new absorbent article, disposing of the absorbent article,donning clothing, closing a lid of a wet wipes package, cleaning theabsorbent article change environment, and leaving the absorbent articlechange environment; wherein the auditory capture mechanism is furtherconfigured to monitor the absorbent article change environment forpotential post-changing phase auditory cue sound profiles and to capturepotential post-changing phase auditory cue sound profiles; wherein theprocessor is further configured to analyze a captured potentialpost-changing phase auditory cue sound profile in relation to the atleast one stored post-changing phase auditory cue acoustic model and tosignal a third qualifying match when the captured potentialpost-changing phase auditory cue sound profile meets the at least onestored post-changing phase auditory cue acoustic model, and wherein, ifthe first output was being generated by the system, the processor isconfigured to send a signal to stop generating the first output upon thesignaling of the fourth qualifying match.

Embodiment 20: A computer program product comprising code embodied on anon-transitory computer-readable medium and configured to be executed onone or more processors, the computer program product being configured toperform operations of: storing an absorbent article acoustic model, theabsorbent article acoustic signature model being indicative of apotential change of the absorbent article and being emitted from theabsorbent article during use of the absorbent article; monitoring anabsorbent article change environment for a potential use sound profile;capturing the potential use sound profile with an auditory capturemechanism; analyzing the captured potential use sound profile inrelation to the stored absorbent article acoustic signature model;signaling a first qualifying match when the captured potential use soundprofile meets the stored absorbent article acoustic signature model;interpreting the first qualifying match in view of at least oneenvironmental input, the at least one environmental input being selectedfrom the group consisting of: time of day, attitude recognition of awearer of the absorbent article, and attitude recognition of a user ofthe absorbent article; and selectively generating a first output basedon the first qualifying match and the at least one environmental input,the first output being recognizable by the user through visual, audible,or olfactory senses.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description are, in relevant part,incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not tobe construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to thepresent invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of aterm in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definitionof the term in a document incorporated by references, the meaning ordefinition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a memory device configuredto store an absorbent article acoustic signature model, the absorbentarticle acoustic signature model being indicative of a potential changeof the absorbent article and being emitted from the absorbent articleduring use of the absorbent article; an auditory capture mechanismconfigured to monitor an absorbent article change environment for apotential use sound profile and to capture the potential use soundprofile while the product is being used; and a processor in electricalcommunication with the auditory capture mechanism, the processor beingconfigured to analyze the captured potential use sound profile inrelation to the absorbent article acoustic signature model, theprocessor further configured to signal a first qualifying match when thecaptured potential use sound profile meets the absorbent articleacoustic signature model, the processor being further configured tointerpret the first qualifying match in view of at least oneenvironmental input, the at least one environmental input being selectedfrom the group consisting of: time of day, attitude recognition of awearer of the absorbent article, and attitude recognition of a user ofthe absorbent article; wherein the system is configured to selectivelygenerate a first output based on the first qualifying match and the atleast one environmental input, the first output being recognizable bythe user through visual, audible, or olfactory senses.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the absorbent article acoustic signature model isrepresentative of a fastener of the absorbent article being unfastenedfrom a fastened condition of the absorbent article.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the processor is configured to interpret the firstqualifying match in view of at least two environmental inputs, andwherein the system is configured to selectively generate the firstoutput based on the first qualifying match and the at least twoenvironmental inputs.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the systemfurther comprises a speaker, the speaker being in electricalcommunication with the processor and being configured to selectivelygenerate the first output.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the atleast one environmental input is the time of day, the system beingconfigured to categorize the time of day into a daytime period and anighttime period, the system being configured to have the speakerselectively generate the first output during the daytime period, andwherein the first output is selected from the group consisting of:music, nursery rhymes, auditory stories, animal sounds, andalpha-numeric instructional lessons.
 6. The system of claim 4, whereinthe at least one environmental input is the time of day, the systembeing configured to categorize the time of day into a daytime period anda nighttime period, the system being configured to have the speakerselectively generate the first output during the nighttime period, andwherein the first output is selected from the group consisting of: musicand white noise.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the system furthercomprises a lighting mechanism, the lighting mechanism beingelectrically connected to the processor and being configured toselectively generate a second output based on the time of day, thesecond output being light.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the systemis further configured to recognize an exudate cue of an initiationphase, the exudate cue comprising at least one of exudate related userlanguage and an electronic signal associated with a body exudatedetection sensor on the absorbent article.
 9. The system of claim 1,wherein the memory device is further configured to store at least onepreparatory phase auditory cue acoustic model, the at least onepreparatory phase auditory cue acoustic model being representative of anacoustic profile of the preparatory phase, the acoustic profile of thepreparatory phase being selected from the group of acoustic profilesconsisting of: unfastening a fastener of the absorbent article from thefastened condition, removing a new absorbent article from packaging,placing the wearer on a changing area, and removal of clothing from thewearer; wherein the auditory capture mechanism is further configured tomonitor the absorbent article change environment for potentialpreparatory phase auditory cue sound profiles and to capture potentialpreparatory phase auditory cue sound profiles; and wherein the processoris further configured to analyze a captured potential preparatory phaseauditory cue sound profile in relation to the at least one storedpreparatory phase auditory cue acoustic model and to signal a secondqualifying match when the captured potential preparatory phase auditorycue sound profile meets the at least one stored preparatory phaseauditory cue acoustic model.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein thememory device is further configured to store at least one changing phaseauditory cue acoustic model, the at least one changing phase auditorycue acoustic model being representative of an acoustic profile of thechanging phase, the acoustic profile of the changing phase beingselected from the group of acoustic profiles consisting of: openingpackaging of new absorbent articles, removing a new absorbent articlefrom packaging, unfolding a new absorbent article, user languageassociated with contents of the absorbent article being changed, openingof a lid of a wet wipe package, removing a wet wipe from a wet wipepackage, rolling of the absorbent article 20 for disposal, opening anointment lid, and application of ointment to the wearer; wherein theauditory capture mechanism is further configured to monitor theabsorbent article change environment for potential changing phaseauditory cue sound profiles and to capture potential changing phaseauditory cue sound profiles, and wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to analyze a captured potential changing phase auditory cuesound profile in relation to the at least one stored changing phaseauditory cue acoustic model and to signal a third qualifying match whenthe captured potential changing phase auditory cue sound profile meetsthe at least one stored changing phase auditory cue acoustic model. 11.The system of claim 1, wherein the memory device is further configuredto store at least one post-changing phase auditory cue acoustic model,the at least one post-changing phase auditory cue acoustic model beingrepresentative of an acoustic profile of the post-changing phase, theacoustic profile of the post-changing phase being selected from thegroup of acoustic profiles consisting of: fastening a new absorbentarticle, disposing of the absorbent article, donning clothing, closing alid of a wet wipes package, cleaning the absorbent article changeenvironment, and leaving the absorbent article change environment;wherein the auditory capture mechanism is further configured to monitorthe absorbent article change environment for potential post-changingphase auditory cue sound profiles and to capture potential post-changingphase auditory cue sound profiles, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to analyze a captured potential post-changing phase auditorycue sound profile in relation to the at least one stored post-changingphase auditory cue acoustic model and to signal a fourth qualifyingmatch when the captured potential post-changing phase auditory cue soundprofile meets the at least one stored post-changing phase auditory cueacoustic model, and wherein, if the first output was being generated bythe system, the processor is configured to send a signal to stopgenerating the first output upon the signaling of the fourth qualifyingmatch.
 12. A system for intervening in an absorbent article changeprocess by a user, the absorbent article change process including aninitiation phase, a preparatory phase, a changing phase, and apost-changing phase, the system comprising: a memory device configuredto store at least one preparatory phase auditory cue acoustic model, theat least one preparatory phase auditory cue acoustic model beingrepresentative of an acoustic profile of the preparatory phase; anauditory capture mechanism configured to monitor an absorbent articlechange environment for potential preparatory phase auditory cue soundprofiles and to capture potential preparatory phase auditory cue soundprofiles; and a processor in electrical communication with the auditorycapture mechanism, the processor being configured to analyze a capturedpotential preparatory phase cue sound profile in relation to the atleast one stored preparatory phase auditory cue acoustic model, theprocessor further configured to signal a first qualifying match when thecaptured potential preparatory phase cue sound profile meets the atleast one stored preparatory phase auditory cue acoustic model, theprocessor being further configured to interpret the first qualifyingmatch in view of at least one environmental input; wherein the system isconfigured to selectively generate a first output based on the firstqualifying match and the at least one environmental input, the firstoutput being recognizable by the user through visual, audible, orolfactory senses.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the acousticprofile of the preparatory phase is selected from the group of acousticprofiles consisting of: unfastening a fastener of the absorbent articlefrom the fastened condition, removing a new absorbent article frompackaging, placing the wearer on a changing area, and removal ofclothing from the wearer.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein theenvironmental input is selected from the group consisting of: time ofday, attitude recognition of a wearer of the absorbent article, andattitude recognition of a user of the absorbent article.
 15. The systemof claim 14, wherein the processor is configured to interpret the firstqualifying match in view of at least two environmental inputs, andwherein the system is configured to selectively generate the firstoutput based on the first qualifying match and the at least twoenvironmental inputs.
 16. The system of claim 13, wherein the systemfurther comprises a speaker, the speaker being in electricalcommunication with the processor and being configured to selectivelygenerate the first output.
 17. The system of claim 13, wherein thesystem is further configured to recognize an exudate cue of theinitiation phase, the exudate cue comprising at least one of exudaterelated user language and an electronic signal associated with a bodyexudate detection sensor on the absorbent article.
 18. The system ofclaim 13, wherein the memory device is further configured to store atleast one changing phase auditory cue acoustic model, the at least onechanging phase auditory cue acoustic model being representative of anacoustic profile of the changing phase, the acoustic profile of thechanging phase being selected from the group of acoustic profilesconsisting of: opening packaging of new absorbent articles, removing anew absorbent article from packaging, unfolding a new absorbent article,user language associated with contents of the absorbent article beingchanged, opening of a lid of a wet wipe package, removing a wet wipefrom a wet wipe package, rolling of the absorbent article 20 fordisposal, opening an ointment lid, and application of ointment to thewearer; and wherein the auditory capture mechanism is further configuredto monitor the absorbent article change environment for potentialchanging phase auditory cue sound profiles and to capture potentialchanging phase auditory cue sound profiles; and wherein the processor isfurther configured to analyze a captured potential changing phaseauditory cue sound profile in relation to the at least one storedchanging phase auditory cue acoustic model and to signal a thirdqualifying match when the captured potential changing phase auditory cuesound profile meets the at least one stored changing phase auditory cueacoustic model.
 19. The system of claim 13, wherein the memory device isfurther configured to store at least one post-changing phase auditorycue acoustic model, the at least one post-changing phase auditory cueacoustic model being representative of an acoustic profile of thepost-changing phase, the acoustic profile of the post-changing phasebeing selected from the group of acoustic profiles consisting of:fastening a new absorbent article, disposing of the absorbent article,donning clothing, closing a lid of a wet wipes package, cleaning theabsorbent article change environment, and leaving the absorbent articlechange environment; wherein the auditory capture mechanism is furtherconfigured to monitor the absorbent article change environment forpotential post-changing phase auditory cue sound profiles and to capturepotential post-changing phase auditory cue sound profiles, wherein theprocessor is further configured to analyze a captured potentialpost-changing phase auditory cue sound profile in relation to the atleast one stored post-changing phase auditory cue acoustic model and tosignal a third qualifying match when the captured potentialpost-changing phase auditory cue sound profile meets the at least onestored post-changing phase auditory cue acoustic model, and wherein, ifthe first output was being generated by the system, the processor isconfigured to send a signal to stop generating the first output upon thesignaling of the fourth qualifying match.
 20. A computer program productcomprising code embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable mediumand configured to be executed on one or more processors, the computerprogram product being configured to perform operations of: storing anabsorbent article acoustic model, the absorbent article acousticsignature model being indicative of a potential change of the absorbentarticle and being emitted from the absorbent article during use of theabsorbent article; monitoring an absorbent article change environmentfor a potential use sound profile; capturing the potential use soundprofile with an auditory capture mechanism; analyzing the capturedpotential use sound profile in relation to the stored absorbent articleacoustic signature model; signaling a first qualifying match when thecaptured potential use sound profile meets the stored absorbent articleacoustic signature model; interpreting the first qualifying match inview of at least one environmental input, the at least one environmentalinput being selected from the group consisting of: time of day, attituderecognition of a wearer of the absorbent article, and attituderecognition of a user of the absorbent article; and selectivelygenerating a first output based on the first qualifying match and the atleast one environmental input, the first output being recognizable bythe user through visual, audible, or olfactory senses.